Seven Ways to Use Twitter Effectively
I started using Twitter in earnest in January 2012. Since that time, I've learned a few tips that have proven to be very helpful. Hopefully, you will find them useful as well.
1. RE-TWEET (RT)
There is nothing more flattering than having someone re-tweet what you've tweeted. It fact, the more a particular tweet of yours is re-tweeted, the better you feel; and this is true for others as well. I suggest that you pick a good category and look at the tweets that are there. Then, re-tweet (RT) those that are particularly interesting to you. For example, I like to look at what people are saying under the category of "leadership." So, I regularly do a search for #leadership in Twitter, which lets me see all the tweets that include #leadership. Then I RT the ones I like.
These tweets show up in my "stream," plus it lets the individual know that I re-tweeted their tweet. This is an easy way to get started. Searching on #leadership allows me to RT different people whom I may not currently follow, or who may not currently follow me. By re-tweeting people I'm not already following, I occasionally pick up new followers or start to follow new people, because I like their tweets. I usually pick one day a week to do my RTs. I do only 2 or 3, separated by a few hours.
2. HASHTAGS (#) ARE YOUR FRIEND
The hashtag (#) is an awesome feature in Twitter and other social media applications. Whenever you do a tweet, try to include a category you would like your tweet to show up under. Sticking with my example from above, I regularly tweet about leadership and management. So, my tweets include #leadership or #management or both. This allows my tweets to show up whenever people search on these hashtags. Remember, this allows people to see your tweets even if they are not following you.
I usually pick up 20 to 30 new followers a week because people read my tweets in these categories. During the 2012 presidential election, I tweeted a couple of non-partisan tweets about presidential leadership and included a hashtag similar to #2012presidential. I tried to be as neutral as possible so as not to offend anyone from either party, as my intent was to share my thoughts on leadership in general, not politics. My tweets were viewed by hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people, because that category was watched closely by many at the time. Hashtags, if used properly, can be a powerful tool to get your tweets viewed by many.
3. TWEET LINKS TO ARTICLES YOU ARE READING ONLINE
This is very easy. As you read articles online, there is a Twitter "tweet" button that allows you to tweet the article, including a link. This is by far the easiest and most effective way to tweet about things that are meaningful to you and others. Pressing the ‘tweet’ button as you read online articles automatically formats the tweet, although you still need to ensure that it is 140 characters or less. I then add my hashtags (e.g., #leadership, #management, #quotes, etc.) and I'm done.
4. QUOTES
I like to tweet quotes about 2 to 3 times a week. You can find good quotes under #quote, #quotes or by doing a Google search. I also like to tweet original quotes every so often. This gives me a good sense of how a particular topic will resonate with people before I write an article or blog about it.
5. TRY NOT TO SPAM YOUR FOLLOWERS WITH TOO MANY
TWEETS AT A TIME
Try not to send more than one tweet per 3 to 4 hours. I was once following a person who tweeted 8 to 10 times back-to-back several times a day. I finally had to stop following the person because the tweets became more like spam.
6. BECOME AN EXPERT IN A CATEGORY OR TWO
I recommend tweeting about something you are passionate about, and then including a hashtag for that category. Over time, people will see that you are regularly showing up under that category and before you know it, you will be considered a subject matter expert.
7. ALWAYS CITE THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR OF THE
ARTICLES AND QUOTES
While tweets are limited to 140 characters, you should always endeavor to give credit to the authors of the articles and quotes that you tweet. Like you, people work hard to share their ideas with the masses. It is important to give them credit for their work.
Last, and perhaps most importantly, have fun! Twitter is one of many amazing social networking tools available today, and I have a great time with it. I don't take myself too seriously, and that keeps it fun. Don't worry or overreact when someone stops following you. People do that for a variety of reasons. Others will follow you—especially if you stay true and passionate about your subject matter.
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About The Author
Dr. Milton Mattox is a senior-level business executive, leader and technologist who has worked with some of the world's most acclaimed companies. An expert in software engineering, information technology, and quality process management, he continues to practice the leadership techniques and methodologies outlined in his books and articles to successfully increase return on investment for organizations and companies.